Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 07 September 2023
Mr. Vishal Jolly, National Executive Committee Member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), held a vital assembly with Mr. Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways, to handle the deteriorating state of National Highway – 4 (NH-4) and associated points within the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
During the assembly, Mr. Jolly introduced a complete evaluation of NH-4’s dire situation, full with detailed details and figures. He underscored the pressing want for instant motion to rectify the state of affairs and make sure the security and comfort of commuters within the area.
Key factors raised by Mr. Jolly embody:
1. Deplorable Stretches: Mr. Jolly identified a number of stretches alongside NH-4 the place the street had deteriorated to the purpose of being non-motorable. These included roughly 22 kilometers between Baratang and Azad Hind Fauj Setu (chainage 107 Km to 129 Km), 12 kilometers past Rest Camp (chainage 220 Km to 232 Km), and 10 kilometers between Kaushalya Nagar and Gate No 15 (chainage 155 Km to 165 Km).
2. Quality of Work: He expressed deep considerations concerning the high quality of labor carried out by the contractor liable for these street stretches, highlighting the substandard building that has contributed to the street’s deplorable situation.
3. Commuter Suffering: Mr. Jolly burdened the psychological agony and hardships confronted by commuters within the North and Middle Andaman District because of the sorry state of NH-4. He additionally famous that developmental tasks within the area have stagnated due to the street’s situation.
4. Causeway Bridge: The parliamentarian drew consideration to the severely deteriorated Causeway Bridge situated within the Lorojig space of Baratang Island, emphasizing the pressing want for its renovation, restore, or substitute.
Mr. Jolly earnestly appealed to the Hon’ble Minister for instant motion and proposed the next steps:
1. Contract Cancellation: Cancel the prevailing contract with the present contractor, M/s. Mantena Constructions Pvt. Ltd. – Vasishta Constructions Ltd. Bridge (JV).
2. Tender Process: Initiate a contemporary tendering course of to assign the remaining roadwork, making certain its completion by October 2023.
3. Causeway Bridge: Renovate, restore, or reconstruct the Causeway Bridge at Lorojig space, Baratang Island.
4. Middle Strait-Baratang Bridge: Restart and full the remaining work on the Middle Strait-Baratang Bridge promptly for the good thing about the individuals in North and Middle Andaman.
Additionally, Mr. Jolly advocated for the graduation and swift completion of the Chatham to Bambooflat Bridge, highlighting the difficulties confronted by residents of Bambooflat and neighbouring villages who depend on ferry boats for his or her day by day livelihood and schooling.
In response, the Hon’ble Union Minister, Mr. Gadkari, assured Mr. Jolly of immediate motion and supplied updates on ongoing developments:
– A contemporary tender course of for the Middle Strait – Baratang Bridge has been initiated, with work set to renew quickly after contract awarding.
– Immediate steps might be taken to cancel contracts liable for the present NH-4 situation, adopted by the issuance of contemporary tenders.
– Repairs might be carried out on varied chainages of NH-4 as wanted.
– Measures are underway to expedite the Chatham-Bambooflat Bridge venture, addressing the considerations of native residents.
The Union Minister’s dedication to addressing these vital infrastructure points within the Andaman and Nicobar Islands brings hope for improved transportation and connectivity within the area.
